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Sarkozy allies questioned in opinion poll fraud probe

Claude Guéant, former Elysée secretary-general is among those called for questioning.Reuters/Charles Platiau

French investigators on Wednesday questioned six officials who served under ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy over alleged fraud. Police are probing charges of "favouritism" and "embezzlement" in the awarding of presidential contracts to nine polling institutes, without tenders being issued.

Among the names of those called in for questioning is Claude Guéant, a former Elysée secretary-general and once Sarkozy's right-hand man.

One of the polling companies named in the investigation was owned by Patrick Buisson, a close advisor to Sarkozy.

Background reading: Previous French scandals

It was revealed that the surveys conducted by Buisson's company were also paid for by media organisations, which means a double income for the same work.

When the anti-corruption body Anticor took over the case it also found that the surveys commissioned served no public interest.

For opposition politicians like George Fennec, regardless of which party is involved, the files are there and must be dealt with.

"It's a good thing the judges are moving forward with this case," he said.